Bag with tamper evidencing closure

ABSTRACT

A closure has at least one channel portion adapted to receive an interlocking profile portion. The channel has at least one window permitting visual inspection of a profile interlocked therein. At least one profile is disposed for interlocking with the channel and includes a stem joined to the closure and one or more latching projections formed by a frangible connection to the stem, wherein one or more projections are adapted to cooperatively interlock with the channel portion of the closure, thereby sealing the closure. In one closure, a tamper evident structure is included in the form of a slider having a shaver to engage in shaving contact with interlocking closure members when passed along the closure in a direction opposite to the closing direction. The various closure members can include different colors. The closures can be used on bag structures.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/685,229, filed May 26, 2005, which application isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention pertains to a closure for a flexible package. Moreparticularly, the invention pertains to a closure havingtamper-inhibiting features which include indication that attempts havebeen made to open the closure putting a viewer on notice of potentialunauthorized access of the contents of a package to which the closure isattached.

REPORTED DEVELOPMENTS

Security bags, for example, those used to transport instruments ofvalue, for example, currency, comprise a method of sealing the bag whichinhibits unauthorized opening of the bag and unauthorized access to thecontents of the bag. Such security bags are described in each of U.S.Pat. No. 5,908,243 to Hanning, U.S. Pat. No. 5,631,068 to Smith, U.S.Pat. No. 5,620,256 to Makrauer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,277 to Burke, U.S.Pat. No. 5,352,041 to Fullerton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,238 toBolton, U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,364 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,194 each toRaden, U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,196 to Edelman et al., U.S. Pat. No.4,838,708 to Holcomb, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,653,113 to Taylor. To inhibitunauthorized opening and provide an indication that unauthorized accessmay have occurred tamper-inhibiting/tamper-indicating closures utilizedin previous security bags have employed adhesives, for example, asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,194 to Raden, U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,196to Edelman et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,708 to Holcomb, and/orselectively die-cut or selectively imprinted portions, for example, asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,631,068 to Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,256to Makrauer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,238 to Bolton, and U.S. Pat. No.5,318,364 to Raden. Unfortunately, these chemical/mechanical systems canbe defeated, for example, by the application of environmental conditionsnot typically experienced within their in-use environment, for example,exposure to extremes of heat or cold. Moreover, prior mechanicalsystems, for example selectively die-cut interlayers, are subject tobeing defeated by mechanical manipulation and/or do not leave readilyapparent evidence of tampering. When defeated, these systems do notprovide ready confirmation of unauthorized opening or attempted openingof the security package. Accordingly, previous security bag closures donot provide the desired level of tamper-deterrence. What is needed is asystem of sealing a package containing valuables that provides a readilyascertainable indication of unauthorized opening. What is neededmoreover is a tamper-indicating closure which has a high degree ofreliability that the tamper-evidencing features are actuated when anunauthorized attempt is made to access the contents of the package.

These and other shortcomings are addressed by the closure of the presentinvention. The present invention provides a closure comprisinginterlocking elements which provide a seal. Additionally, at least oneof the interlocking elements is adapted to fail when a force which isless than that sufficient to disengage the interlocked closure elementsis applied to the sealed closure, thereby providing visual indicationthat the closure has been opened.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a closure whichrequires an implement, for example, a slider, to effect the initialsealing of the package to which it is attached, permitting the provisionof a closure which provides a high closing force. In one embodiment,after utilizing a slider to seal the closure, the slider is removed fromthe sealed package. The slider track is adapted to impede reattachmentof the slider after removal. In one embodiment the slider is adapted tocover the closure completely and after initially sealing the closure,remain in place, covering the closure. In this embodiment the coveringslider is adapted to be unremovable without triggering an indicator ofthe removal attempt, providing the closure with alternate or additionaltamper deterrence

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment the present development provides a closure which hasat least one channel portion adapted to receive an interlocking profileportion, and at least one oppositely positioned profile comprising:

-   -   i) a stem joining the interlocking portion of the profile to a        flange of the closure;    -   ii) one or more latching projections joined by a frangible        connection to the stem, wherein said one or more projections are        adapted to cooperatively interlock with at least a portion of        said channel, thereby sealing said closure,        wherein said frangible connection of said profile is selected to        fail at an applied force which is less than sufficient to        disengaged the interlocked channel and profile, thereby severing        said latching projections from said profile

In one embodiment, the channel portion of the inventive closure isprovided with a window which permits viewing of the interlocked latchingprojection of the profile, and accordingly, viewing the severed latchingprojection of the profile after an attempt has been made to access thecontents of a package sealed by the closure, thus providing a visualindication of the attempted access. In one embodiment the interlockingportions of the latching projection and the channel are each providedwith distinctive coloration which provides visual confirmation of theirinterlocked state, and serves to highlight a severed condition of theinterlocking profile portion of the closure.

In one embodiment the closure profile has latching projections having across-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of: (1) alatching projection having a wing shape for example, that illustrated inFIG. 1; (2) a latching projection having the arrowhead shape, forexample, that illustrated in FIG. 2; (3) a “C”-shaped latchingprojection, for example, that illustrated in FIG. 3; and (4) a latchingprojection having a double arrowhead shape, for example, thatillustrated in FIG. 4, and wherein said channel has a cross-sectionalshape selected to interlock with said latching projection(s).

In one embodiment, the frangible area of the connection between the oneor more latching projections joined to the stem of the profile isprovided by a die-cut groove penetrating the material comprising theprofile. In one embodiment the interlocking profile is segmented. In onesegmented embodiment, the profile comprises a series of evenly-spacedfeatures with gaps interspersing each of the profile features. In oneembodiment the features are regularly spaced. In one segmentedembodiment the regularly spaced features are “button-shaped” when viewedin plan view.

In one embodiment the inventive closure comprises:

-   -   a) at least one channel portion adapted to receive an        interlocking profile portion, said channel being characterized        by having a window which permits visual inspection of a profile        interlocked therein;    -   (b) at least one profile disposed for interlocking with said        channel, said profile comprising:        -   i) a stem joined to the closure;        -   ii) one or more latching projections joined by a frangible            connection to the stem, wherein said one or more projections            are adapted to cooperatively interlock with said channel            portion of said closure, thereby sealing said closure,            wherein said frangible connection of said profile is            selected to fail at an applied force which is less than            sufficient to disengaged the interlocked channel and            profile, thereby severing said latching projections from            said profile, and wherein said channel is joined to one leaf            of a self-supporting bi-fold strip and said profile is            joined to the other leaf of said bi-fold strip in a location            such that folding said strip along the bi-fold line permits            interlock of said channel and said profile.

In one embodiment, the bi-fold strip is joined to one wall of a bagopening and is disposed to capture both walls of said bag openingbetween said interlocked channel and profile. In one embodiment, theprofile on the bi-fold strip is segmented. In one embodiment theopposite walls of the bag to which the bi-fold strip is joined have atleast one pair of registered openings through which a portion of thesegmented profile pass prior to interlocking with the opposite channel.In one embodiment the profile comprises a regularly spaced series ofprofile segments, each of which passes through a pair of registeredopenings in the opposite walls of the bag opening to which the bi-foldclosure is attached prior to interlocking with the opposite channel.

In one embodiment, the closures of the present invention comprise theopening of a flexible package. In one embodiment the flexible package isa bag. In one embodiment, the opening of the package comprises theclosure which comprises a channel and a segmented profile defining aseries of latching projections, wherein said projections are adapted tocooperatively interlock with at least a portion of said channel, therebysealing said closure. In one embodiment the package comprises a baghaving an opening to which the closure is attached, and wherein at leastone portion of the segmented profile penetrates at least one pair ofregistered openings through the walls of said bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A—Cross-sectional view of interlocking projections and channel ofone closure embodiment

FIG. 1B—Cross-sectional view of one embodiment of interlocked closureportions, attached security bag and slider.

FIG. 1C—Transverse view of one embodiment of closure, slider, andattached bag illustrating single end stop.

FIG. 2A—Cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the closure having anarrowhead-shaped interlocking projection and channel.

FIG. 2B—Cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a frangible regionemployed with an arrowhead-shaped interlocking projection.

FIG. 2C—Cross-sectional view of an interlocked arrowhead-shapedprojection and channel affixed to bag opening.

FIG. 3A—Cross-sectional view of an interlocked “C”-shaped interlockingprojection and channel affixed to bag opening.

FIG. 3B—Cross-sectional view of a “C”-shaped interlocking projection andchannel employing alternative frangible regions.

FIG. 4A—cross-sectional view of an interlocked “double arrowhead-shaped”projection and channel affixed to the opening of a bag.

FIG. 4B—cross-sectional view of a “double arrowhead-shaped” projectionand channel employing alternative frangible areas.

FIG. 5A—Cross-sectional view of a bi-fold closure affixed to the openingof a bag in interlocked engagement.

FIG. 5B—Cross-sectional view of a non-interlocked bi-fold closureaffixed to the opening of a bag.

FIG. 5 C—Overhead cross-sectional view of a segmented interlockingprojection and channel.

FIG. 5D—Plan longitudinal view of a segmented interlocking projectionand channel with slider and end stop.

FIG. 6—Top plan view of an embodiment of a tamper-indent closure.

FIG. 6A—Cross-sectional view of the closure of FIG. 6, the cross-sectionbeing taken along the line A-A of FIG. 6.

FIG. 6B—Cross-sectional view of the closure of FIG. 6, the cross-sectionbeing taken along the line B-B of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It is believed that the closure of the present invention will be mostbeneficially employed when mounted on the opening of a security bag andused to seal access to the interior of the bag, for example, the openingof the plastic security bags described in any one of U.S. Pat. No.5,908,243 to Hanning, U.S. Pat. No. 5,631,068 to Smith, U.S. Pat. No.5,620,256 to Makrauer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,277 to Burke, U.S. Pat. No.5,352,041 to Fullerton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,238 to Bolton, U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,318,364 and 5,108,194 each to Raden, U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,196to Edelman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,708 to Holcomb, U.S. Pat. No.4,785,960 to Belisle, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,653,113 to Taylor, each ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

The closure of the invention comprises several elements, including apair of opposed interlocking portions, generally extending from a flangeor formed sometimes from a base wall material, either of which is alsodescribed herein for convenience or a base material the interlocking ofwhich seals the closure. The closure optionally employs a slider toassist interlocking the closure portions. Generally the slider is guidedand supported by rails or other features appended to the flange materialor base wall material, depending upon which is employed. The closure ofthe present invention incorporates into either the interlocking portionsof the closure and/or the slider (if employed) at least onetamper-evidencing means. Next will be discussed the interlockingportions of the closure, thereafter, the slider, and finally, methods ofpreparing the closure.

The Interlocking Portions

As mentioned above, the closure of the present invention comprises twointerlocking portions which cooperate to close the opening of a packageto which the closure is attached, for example, the opening of a securitybag. With reference to FIG. 1A, a cross-sectional profile of theinterlocking portions of one closure embodiment is illustrated. Theinterlocking portions of the closure include a channel portion (10) anda profile portion (100) which has interlocking projections (101) and(102), which form the interlocking portion of the profile, is insertedinto, and interlocks with the channel portion. The channel portionillustrated in FIG. 1A comprises a viewing window (14) to which isaffixed side walls (11) and (12). Affixed to the side walls is a secondviewing window (13), which defines slot (15). Wall (12) and one face ofwindow (13) also support seal area (16), attached thereto. Seal area(16) is used to attach the closure to one wall of a package. Profile(100) comprises stem portion (109) to which latching projections (101)and (102) are attached through frangible regions (103) and (104),respectively. Stem portion (109) is affixed to flange (110) whichsupports seal area (105) affixed also thereto. Seal area (105) is usedto affix the closure to a wall of a package opposite to the package wallto which seal area (16) is affixed.

With reference to FIG. 1B, the interlocking portion of profile (100) isinterlocked with channel portion (10) by inserting the portion of thestem containing interlocking projections (101) and (102) into slot (15)until face portions (106) and (107) of latching projections (101) and(102) respectively engage faces (1) and (2), respectively of window(13). When engaged, the interlocked portions of the channel and profilecan be verified by viewing through view windows (13) (between region“A-A”) and (14) (between region “B-B”). In some embodiments, latchingprojections (101) and (102) are provided with a coloration, and thefaces (1) and (2) of viewing window (13) can be provided withcontrasting coloration such that when interlock between the profile andchannel is complete, the latching portions (101) and (102) of theprofile appear through viewing window (14) as a pair of colored parallellines along the length of the closure. Such interlocking closureportions are described in further detail in each of U.S. Pat. Nos.5,356,222, 5,252,281, and 5,248,201, each of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

With further reference to FIG. 1B, upon interlock, frangible regions(103) and (104) are subjected to stress. A force applied to the closureto disengage the profile from the channel will cause interlockingprojections (101) and/or (102) to separate from stem (104) along thefrangible region. This will cause the view of the interlocked profilethrough window (14) to change from a pair of parallel lines to a solidbroad bar as the tension imparted to the interlocking projections uponinterlock with the channel is release, forcing the severed interlockingprojections against the inside face of viewing window (14). Stem (109)of profile (100) will not remain engaged along the length of slot (15).This will result in the view of the stem through view window (13) to nolonger appear as a solid line. Accordingly, once the profile and channelare engaged, an attempt to disengage the two will result in severing ofthe interlocking projections of the profile, actuating theabove-described visual indications that the closure was opened.

It is preferred if the dimensions of the various portions of the channeland profile are selected to require too much force to separate the partsto permit the slot from being enlarged sufficiently to permit disengageof the interlocked profile without severing the frangible regions andactuating the visual tamper-indicating features of the closure orwithout rendering profound, and visually detectable, damage to thechannel. It is preferred for frangible regions to be selected to failunder the application of insufficient force to disengage the interlockedclosure portions.

With reference to FIG. 1B and to FIG. 1C, in general, the durometerrating and dimensions of the channel and profile will be selected suchthat the closure can not be conveniently sealed by utilizing digitpressure to press the profile and channel portions of the closuretogether. When higher pressure than can conveniently be supplied byfinger pressure is required to interlock the closure parts, it ispreferred to employ slider (17) to interlock the two. When a slider isemployed, in general it is preferable to select a thickness for flange(110) which can accommodate a slider finger (111) of an extentsufficient to prevent the slider from being pried off of the flange orforced off of the flange during the stress of a sealing operation.Similarly, it is preferred to supply side wall (12) of sufficientdimension that face (3) accommodates slider finger (4) of sufficientextent to prevent the slider from being pried off or forced off of theside wall as well.

In some embodiments, the closure is affixed to a security bag (18), andis provided with an end stop (19). In an unused condition, the assemblyis supplied with the slider positioned next to the end stop, whichcorresponds to a non-interlocked condition in the closure. As supplied,moving the slider in the direction indicated by arrow “C” in FIG. 1Cinterlocks the channel and profile. In some embodiments no end stop issupplied opposite end stop (19), and upon sealing the closure, the usercontinues to slide the slider off of the closure and discards theslider. In general, slider (17) does not contain means to separate theinterlocked closure portions, unlike conventional sliders which areadapted to alternately interlock and disengage the closure portions.

FIG. 1, discussed above, illustrated a “wing-shaped” interlockingprojection on the profile and a suitable channel with which it couldinterlock. With reference to FIG. 2A, there is illustrated across-sectional view of another embodiment of the closure of theinvention, an “arrow-head” shaped interlocking projection (201) on theprofile (200) and a suitable channel (20) with which it can interlock.As illustrated in FIG. 2A, channel (20) comprises view window (24) towhich is affixed walls (21) and (22). Depending from the free end ofwall (21) and (22) are walls (23) and (26) which define slot (25). Wall(26) contains also a portion extending beyond wall 22 to which seal area216 is affixed. With further reference to FIG. 2A, profile (200)comprises arrowhead-shaped interlocking projection (201) affixed to stem(209) via frangible region (203). Stem (209) in turn is affixed toflange (210). Attached to flange (210) also is seal area (205). Asillustrated also in FIG. 2A, frangible region (203) can be provided bymaking a single die cut into stem (209) adjacent to interlockingprojection (201) on the face of the stem proximal to sealing area (205).Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, frangible region (203) can beprovided by making a pair of parallel die cuts one on each of the facesof stem (209) distal and proximal to sealing area (205). It will beappreciated that the “arrowhead” interlocking projection (201)illustrated in FIG. 2A is less flexible than the “wing-shaped”interlocking projections (101) and (102) illustrated in profile (100) ofFIG. 1A. Accordingly, with reference to FIG. 2A, walls (23) and (26)which define slot (25) in channel (20) have a cross-section of athickness selected to provide suitable flexibility to permitinterlocking projection (201) to be inserted a sufficient distance intoslot (25) to permit faces (206) and (207) of interlocking projection(201) to engage faces (241) and (242), respectively of channel (20). Insome embodiments, walls (241) and (242) are angled such that whenengaged with interlocking projection (201) they are under tension. Withreference to FIG. 2C, this tension severs to exert a force directinginterlocking projection (201) into the channel in the directionindicated by arrow “c”. With further reference to FIG. 2C, this forceinsures not only a tight seal along opening (250) of attached bag (253),but supplies force to impinge interlocking projection 201 against theinside surface of view window (24) should frangible region (203) beruptured. As described above for the closure illustrated in FIG. 1, theinteracting portions of the channel and profile can be supplied withcontrasting colored material to provide visual indication of interlockand rupture of the frangible region of the closure, giving in the latterevent a visual indication of an unauthorized attempt to open theclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 2C, some embodiments will employ a slider (217)to facilitate interlocking the channel and profile of the illustratedclosure. As with the closure illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C, it ispreferred if wall thickness in the flange and channel portions whichsupport the seal areas (205 and 216 respectively) are selected to be ofsufficient thickness to accommodate slider fingers (252 and 251,respectively) having sufficient extent to prevent the slider from beingpried off or forced off in use. As mentioned above for the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that some embodiments willemploy a slider which is removed and discarded after it has beenemployed to initially seal the closure.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a cross-section of a profile having a“C”-shaped interlocking projection and a channel adapted forinterlocking with the profile. FIG. 3B illustrates the separated profile(300) and channel (30). Profile (300) contains “C”-shaped interlockingprojection (301), affixed to stem (309) via a frangible region createdby die-cuts 302 and 303. Stem (309) is affixed to flange (310) which hasaffixed to it also sealing region (305). The “C”-shaped interlockingprojection (301) contains interdigitating fingers (306) and (307).Channel (30) comprises window section (34), side walls (31) and (32)from which depend L-shaped walls (33) and (36) respectively. L-shapedwall (36) extends beyond sidewall (32), and has affixed to it sealingarea (316). L-shaped walls (33) and (36) define slot (35) and profilelocking members (341) and (342). Channel (30) may optionally containfrangible areas (362) and (363) as an alternative to, or in addition to,one or more frangible areas on the profile. These optional frangibleareas can be created by providing a die cut into the inside of thejunction between side wall (31) and L-shaped wall (33) (illustrated asfrangible region 362) and/or a die cut into the inside of the junctionbetween side wall (32) and L-shaped wall (36) illustrated as frangibleregion 363. In this manner, the channel will fail along the frangibleregion provided by the die cut if it is subjected to prying, or otherforces, in an attempt to disengage a profile engaged with the channelwithout rupturing the frangible region of the profile. Accordingly, suchdie-cut regions serve to provide readily identifiable visible evidencethat an attempt has been made to defeat the tamper evidencing featuresof the closure. In general, a die cut can be placed along a feature ofthe profile or channel in any location in which it is desirable tocreate a region which will fail if the feature is subjected to stress.From this description it will be appreciated that many variations on theplacement of die-cuts can be worked to provide frangible regions whichevidence tampering and be within the scope of the invention.

To interlock the profile and channel, interlocking projection (301) ofprofile (300) is inserted into channel (30) through slot (35) untilprofile interdigitating member (306) resides between channel sidewall(31) and locking member (341), and profile interdigitating member (307)resides between channel sidewall (32) and locking member (342). Asillustrated in FIG. 3A, when the profile and channel are interlocked inthis manner, the opening of a bag attached to the sealing areas of theprofile and channel is securely closed without placing the interlockingchannel and profile parts under stress. However, the interdigitatedportions of the channel and profile concentrate stress on thesefrangible regions if an attempt is made to extract the profile frominterlock with the channel. This stress concentration occurs whether thefrangible region is placed between the stem and the interlockingprojections of the profile, in the inside junction between the sidewalls and the L-shaped walls of the channel, or both.

FIG. 3A illustrates also that a frangible region can be introduced intothe junction between the interlocking projection and the stem along thelong axis of the stem (302A and 303A) or across the long axis of thestem, as illustrated by, frangible region (302) and (303) in FIG. 3 B.As mentioned above with the other illustrated embodiments, in someembodiments aspects of the closure dimensions and materials will beselected which make it impractical to interlock the profile and channelusing digit pressure. Accordingly, slider (317) can be employed tointerlock the closure part. Conveniently, the closure can be disposedsuch that it is guided along the closure utilizing slider finger (351)along sidewall (32) of the channel (30), and slider finger (352) alongthe bottom of flange (310). As mentioned for the examples illustratedabove, the interlocking portions of the profile and channel (30) canhave complimentary coloration so that interlock can be visuallyconfirmed by viewing the interlocked portions through window (34). Inaddition, any unauthorized manipulation of the closure which severs theclosure portions at the frangible regions will be visible through window(34).

FIG. 4 A illustrates in cross-section a channel containing anarrowhead-shaped central interlocking projection (43) interlocked with aprofile comprising double arrowhead-shaped interlocking projections(44). As illustrated, the channel contains locking members (401), (402),(403), and (404) which interlock with interdigitating members (411),(412), (413), and (414) on the interlocking projections of the profile.In the embodiment illustrated, channel (40) contains a window throughwhich each interlocking projection of the profile can be viewed (windows41 and 42). In like manner, the profile contains a viewing window (422)through which central interlocking projection (43) can be viewed wheninterlocked with the profile. Illustrated also in FIG. 4A are frangibleregions provided by die cuts (431), (432), (433), (434) and (435), whichprovide regions of failure in the interlocking members of both thechannel and the profile. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, these regions canalternatively be provided by placing corresponding die cuts in each sideof the stem connecting the double arrowhead-shaped interlockingprojections of the profile to the flange (432 a and 432 b), (434 a and434 b), and in the stem of the central interlocking projectionconnecting the central interlocking projection to the channel (433 a and433 b). As for the other examples described above, in some embodiments aslider (431) will be employed to interlock the channel and profile.

FIG. 5 A illustrates in cross-section a closure comprisingnon-interlocked channel (50) and profile comprising a segmentedinterlocking projection (500). FIG. 5B illustrates in cross-sectioninterlocked channel (50) and segmented interlocking projection (500). Asillustrated in FIG. 5A, sidewalls 551 and 552 of package (550) to whichthe closure is attached contain at least one pair of openings inregistration (553) and 554) through which interlocking projection (500)and stem (501) pass prior to interlocking with channel (50). Stem (501)contains also frangible region (502), which is ruptured upon applicationof a force directed at disengaging interlocking projection (500) fromchannel (50). With reference to FIG. 5B, channel (50) contains window(51), which provides a clear area (between region A-A) through which theinterlocked profile and channel can be viewed. With reference to FIG.5C, in one embodiment the segmented profile is provided as a series ofregularly spaced “buttons” (561 a to 561 f) that when interlocked withthe channel appear as a series of regularly spaced shapes through window(51). As with the other embodiments illustrated above, attempts toseparate the interlocked channel and segmented profile results inseparation of the interlocking projections (500) from stem (502) withthe result that the “buttons” no longer appear regularly “spaced”through window (50), providing visual indication of the unauthorizedattempt to open the closure.

FIG. 5D illustrates an overhead cross-sectional view of the“button-shaped” interlocking projections of the segmented profileillustrated in plan view in FIG. 5C.

With further reference to FIG. 5A, the segmented closure, and any of theother closures of the invention, can be supplied as a two part closurewith the channel and profile fastened to separate flange portions, inthe manner typical for interlocking closure strips, or joined to abi-fold flange. A bi-fold flange can be provided either by mounting ormolding the channel and closure on separate flanges and joining them ata common edge or by mounting or molding the channel and closure on acommon base material and die-forming or die-cutting a folding linepositioned to bring the profile and channel into interlockingregistration when the base material is folded along the folding line.The fold line, or joining line in such bi-fold arrangements can beparallel to the long axis of the closure or perpendicular to it.Illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B is a base material with a bi-fold line(573) parallel to the long axis of the closure. Accordingly bi-foldclosure (570) comprises leaf (571) onto which is mounted (or into whichis molded) channel (50), leaf (572), onto which is mounted (or intowhich is molded) stem (501) and interlocking projection (500), andfolding line (573), which is positioned to bring channel (50) andinterlocking projection (500) into interlocking orientation when leaf(571) and (572) are folded together along folding line (573). When abi-fold closure is employed, only one side of the base material (towhich a sealing area can be affixed) need be fastened to the opening ofa package opening. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, in such an arrangement,flange (52) is attached to side wall (551) of bag (550), at a locationthat places slot (53) of channel (50) in register with opening (553) insidewall (551) of bag (550). To seal the package, leaf (572) is foldedto bring interlocking projection (500) into register with channel slot(53) and bag wall opening (554). Applying the necessary pressure to thealigned part passes interlocking projection (500) through bag wallopenings (554) and (553) and interlocks it within channel (50).

In general, when a bifold strip is employed, it will be made from aplastic which is stiffer than the bag material. When a bifold strip isemployed, it is preferred to employ dimensions and design for the stripand/or materials having properties which provide a bi-fold strip that isself supporting. In some embodiments the bi-fold strip will be of aconstruction and made from materials which provide a rigid bi-foldstrip.

The segmented profile can be provided by specifically molding a shapedprofile, or it can be provided by milling or die-cutting away unwantedportions of a conventionally extruded continuous profile. In eithermanner, a profile can be provided which has everything from small gapsmilled into it which can be used in conjunction with more or lessrectangular holes, to “button-shaped” features which can be employedwith round holes, for example, the mushroom-shaped profiles illustratedin FIGS. 5A to 5D. It will be appreciated that other arrangements ofdiscontinuous profile shapes and bag-wall openings can be employed withequal effect.

As with the other embodiments discussed above, in some embodiments aslider will be necessary to provide the force required to interlock theinterlocking portions of the closure. With reference to FIG. 5B, slider(580) can be employed which utilizes a “keyway” shaped channel as aguide. With reference to FIG. 5C, in some embodiments the closure isprovided with end stop (590) adjacent to closure (580), when the closureis in the unsealed state. End stop (590) maintains the closure on theunsealed container. After filling, the slider is operated in thedirection indicated by arrow “C”, interlocking the interlocking parts ofthe closure. After the closure is sealed, the slider is moved furtheralong direction “C” and removed from the sealed package and discarded.

The material and dimensions of the interlocking portions of the closureare preferably selected to provide a closure which seals a packageopening to require a force of at least about 5 pounds to separate theinterlocked portions of the closure, more preferably at least about 8pounds, more preferably at least about 10 pounds, and more preferably atleast about 15 pounds.

Preferably, the frangible regions are provided by strategic die cuttingof the closure profile and/or channel interlocking portions. It will beappreciated that other methods such as selective perforation and theprovision of weaker materials in frangible areas can be utilized.Preferably, frangible areas are selected to fail when a force is appliedto the sealed closure which is less than sufficient to separate theinterlocked portions of the closure.

Preferably, the physical properties of the materials from which theclosure is constructed are selected to be sufficiently stiff to resistprying of the interlocking portions of the closure to disengage theinterlocked portions without extensive, readily detectable damage to theclosure portions subjected to prying, or activating thetamper-evidencing features of the closure. Materials of construction andmethods are discussed in more detail below. Preferably, materials ofconstruction of the inventive closure are selected to resist defeatthrough softening of the materials to permit mechanical manipulation toopen the closure without activating the tamper evident features of theclosure.

Tamper-Evidencing Slider

In some embodiments the closure may comprise a conventional interlockingclosure (one that does not employ frangible regions) with a slider whichcontains tamper-evidencing features. One example of this is slider (600)illustrated in FIG. 6. Slider (600) is preferably selected to have alength (along section “A-A”) which exceeds that of the closure overwhich it is operated. With reference to the cross-section along section“A-A” of FIG. 6, the slider contains sealed end (601), which acts toencase the closure over which the slider is operated when the closure isin its sealed position. Moreover, the closure upon which slider (600)operates contains end stop (602), which serves to maintain slider (600)on the closure when it is in the unsealed position (to the left asillustrated in FIG. 6). Slider (600) contains also shaving means (603)for shaving off a portion of closure profile (604) if, after beingoperated in the direction indicated by arrow “E” to seal the closure, itis operated in the direct indicated by arrow “F” in an attempt to accessthe closure. The slider is also equipped with means (606) to divert theshavings (609) removed from profile (604) by shaving means (603) intochamber (608). The presence of shavings in chamber (608) can be verifiedby viewing the chamber through viewing window (607) provided in slidertop (610). In some embodiments, the profile of the closure is preferablyprovided with a coloration, the viewing chamber comprising a contrastingcolor so that the presence of shavings indicating an unauthorizedattempt to access the closure will be readily apparent.

Although many means will be readily apparent for shaving a portion ofthe closure, one shaving means, illustrated in FIG. 6, comprises asharpened projection resembling a plane blade molded into the undersideof the slider contiguous with one wall of chamber (608). A more flexibleL-shaped portion (606) fastened only to top wall (610) of slider (600)can be employed to divert shavings from the blade into chamber (608).Based on this description, other arrangements will be appreciated. Whilefor some applications, the use of the above-described tamper-indicatingslider alone may be adequate, other applications may use the slider inconjunction with one or more of the tamper-indicating closure describedabove.

Method of Making Closures of the Invention

Preferably, the closure of the present invention is made from a plasticmaterial adapted for permanent attachment to a security bag to which itis attached. Preferably, the closure is fashioned from materials whichresists prying, softening by heating, and embrittling upon freezing. Oneexample of suitable material is polypropylene. Closures prepared frompolypropylene are described in copending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/726,731 (the '731 application) filed Dec. 2, 2003. The '731application also describes methods of preparing closures utilizing thesematerials. The disclosure of the '731 application is incorporated hereinin its entirety by reference and each of the above-mentioned U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,356,222, 5,252,281, and 5,248,201 are each incorporated herein byreference for their teaching in these matters.

Although the present invention closure is illustrated above affixed to asecurity bag and will find its broadest utility in conjunction with theprovision of secure bags for packaging documents of value and currency,it will be appreciated that the present invention closure can also beemployed with other flexible packaging materials to provide closure toother forms of flexible packaging and is not limited to use only withbags. In general, when used to seal the opening of a bag, the closure ofthe invention is attached proximal to the edge of the opening defined bythe walls of the bag by a permanent means, for example, welding. In someembodiments it will be preferred to mold the closure portions directlyfrom the web of material from which the bag walls are manufactured.

Having described the presently preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that the above is exemplary and is not meant to be limiting,moreover the invention may be otherwise embodied within the scope of theappended claims.

1. A closure comprising: a) at least one channel portion adapted toreceive an interlocking profile portion, said channel beingcharacterized by having at least one window which permits visualinspection of a profile interlocked therein; b) at least one profiledisposed for interlocking with said channel, said profile comprising: i)a stem joined to the closure; ii) one or more latching projectionsjoined by a frangible connection to the stem, wherein said one or moreprojections are adapted to cooperatively interlock with said channelportion of said closure, thereby sealing said closure, wherein saidfrangible connection of said profile is selected to fail at an appliedforce which is less than sufficient to disengaged the interlockedchannel and profile, thereby severing said latching projections fromsaid profile.
 2. The closure of claim 1 wherein said channel is joinedto one leaf of a self-supporting bifold strip, and said profile isjoined to the other leaf of said bifold strip in a location such thatfolding said strip along the bifold line permits interlock of saidchannel and said profile.
 3. The closure of claim 2 wherein said windowportion of said self-supporting bifold strip is adapted to provide aguide supporting said slider.
 4. The closure of claim 2 wherein saidprofile is a segmented profile.
 5. The closure of claim 4 wherein thecross-sectional shape of the profile has a mushroom-shape.
 6. Theclosure of claim 1 wherein said channel and said profile are formed onseparate sheets of base material and subsequently joined together on atleast one end.
 7. The closure of claim 1 wherein said frangible regioncomprises at least one die cut into the material from which said profileis formed.
 8. The closure of claim 1 in which each of said channel andsaid profile comprise a material having coloration.
 9. The closure ofclaim 8 wherein each of said channel and said profile are selected tohave a different hue, thereby providing visual indication of interlockedand tampered status.
 10. The closure of claim 1 further characterized inthat when interlocked, separation of the interlocked channel and profilerequires an application of a force of at least about 10 pounds.
 11. Abag comprising: (a) a closure including at least one channel portionadapted to receive an interlocking profile portion, said channel beingcharacterized by having at least one window which permits visualinspection of a profile interlocked therein; at least one profiledisposed for interlocking with said channel, said profile comprising:(i) a stem joined to the closure; (ii) one or more latching projectionsjoined by a frangible connection to the stem, wherein said one or moreprojections are adapted to cooperatively interlock with said channelportion of said closure, thereby sealing said closure, wherein saidfrangible connection of said profile is selected to fail at an appliedforce which is less than sufficient to disengaged the interlockedchannel and profile, thereby severing said latching projections fromsaid profile; and (b) opposing side walls; the closure being attachedproximal to the edge of one of at least one of the side walls.
 12. Thebag of claim 11 wherein each said bag side wall contains therethrough atleast one opening, in registration with an opening through the oppositewall, each said pair of registered openings being disposed such thatwhen said profile and channel are mated at least one portion of saidprofile passes through at least on pair of registered openings.
 13. Thebag of claim 11 further comprising a slider.
 14. The bag of claim 13further including retaining structure oriented on an end of the closure,which when the slider is adjacent to said end, the closure is in anon-interlocked state; and an opposite end of the closure contains noconstruct to prevent the slider from being removed from the closure. 15.The bag of claim 14 wherein said retaining structure comprises a stopseal.
 16. The bag of claim 11 wherein said closure has latchingprojections having a cross-sectional shape selected from the groupconsisting of: a latching projection having a wing shape; a latchingprojection having an arrowhead shape; a latching projection having a“C”-shape; and a latching projection having a double arrowhead shape,and wherein said channel has a cross-sectional shape selected tointerlock with said latching projections.
 17. A closure comprising anopposite pair of side wall members having proximal and distal faces, anda device for sealing said closure comprising: a) at least one channelportion affixed to a proximal face of a first side wall member andadapted to receive an interlocking profile portion; b) at least oneprofile affixed to a proximal face of a second side wall member disposedfor interlocking with said channel, said profile comprising: i) a stemjoined to said proximal second side wall face; ii) one or more latchingprojections joined to the stem, wherein said one or more projections areadapted to cooperatively interlock with said channel portion of saidclosure, thereby sealing said closure; and c) a slider selected to havea length at least equal to the length of said closure interlockingchannel and profile and adapted to cooperate with projecting portions ofsaid distal faces of said opposite sidewall members of said closure, andwhich is characterized in being adapted to facilitate interlock of saidchannel and profile portions of said closure when passed along a closurehaving non-interlocked channel and profile portions, the slidercomprising (i) a collection chamber disposed at the end of the sliderwhich promotes interlock of said channel and profile; (ii) a top windowpermitting visual inspection of said collection chamber; (iii) a shaverproximal to said interlocking members of said closure and disposed suchthat said shaver engages in sliding contact with said interlockingclosure members when said slider is operated along the closure in adirection promoting interlock of said channel and profile, and engagesin shaving contact with said interlocking closure members when passedalong the closure in the opposite direction; (iv) an enclosed endopposite to the end of the slide containing said shaver, said enclosedend abutting the closure when slider is operated to fully seal saidclosure; and (v) a diverter to direct shavings removed by said shaverinto a collection chamber.
 18. The closure of claim 17 wherein saidinterlocking parts of closure have a coloration distinguishing them fromthe slider collection chamber.
 19. The closure of claim 17 furthercharacterized in that when interlocked, separation of the interlockedchannel and profile requires an application of a force of at least about15 pounds.
 20. The closure of claim 17 further comprising a retainer forslider engagement when the slider is in a position corresponding tonon-interlocked channel and profile portions.